Save Article

Starbucks Responds
To Cost-Wary Market

SEATTLE -- Starbucks Corp. Chief Executive Howard Schultz said the coffee chain would combat the notion that its drinks are expensive, as he outlined plans to weather an economic downturn.

At the company's annual investors meeting Wednesday in Seattle, Mr. Schultz railed against the notion that Starbucks -- where the menu includes beverages that can cost upwards of $4 -- is "the poster child for excess," pointing out that half of the beverages Starbucks sells cost less than $3.